The Knife of Never Letting Go Review

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go

Author: Patrick Ness

Series: Chaos Walking #1

Publisher: Walker

Publication Date: May 5, 2008

Genre: Science Fiction; Futuristic; Dystopia; Fiction; Young Adult

Pages: 479

Format: Hardcover

goodreads

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought? 

I used to wonder what it would be like to read minds. After reading this book, I’ve decided it wouldn’t be so great.

Todd is the last of the boys. He can read minds, just like everyone else in Prentisstown. Men, dogs, cows, everything. He has no say in what he hears, and he has no say in what other people hear. There are neither secrets nor privacy. Some men break under the constant pressure of the Noise, and some hide underneath alcohol and its effects. Some embrace the Noise, while others hone it like a weapon that needs to be finely sharpened. The Mayor is one of the people that believe the Noise is a gift that is yet to be used to its full potential. He believes the Noise enables the mind to be a vehicle of power and control. When Todd escapes the oppressive Mayor and his town, he runs into a girl and is shocked to discover he hears nothing. The girl has no Noise. The shocking discovery is the start of many more findings that will not only change Prentisstown, but Todd’s entire world as he knows it.

After reading his novel, A Monster Calls (review here), Patrick Ness became one of my idols. I absolutely adored his book, and I immediately wanted to read every book that he had ever written. When I learned about the existence of this series, it soon became number one on my to-read list.

This book is not only a narrative of this unusual story. It is the embodiment of the voice of a boy who struggles to understand not only his own thoughts but everyone else’s thoughts as well. While the Noise is a seriously awful thing, whenever I read about it, I can’t help but think about How the Grinch Stole Christmas. How does it go?

“And then! Oh, the noise! Oh the Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise! That’s one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!”

Although I think the Grinch was talking about a different kind of Noise, and the Whos are infinitely happier than the citizens of Prentisstown, I still think that the message is the same. Noise = Bad.  

Ness creates a captivating story by using both the words themselves and how the words look on the page to tell his story. He uses different fonts, carefully placed punctuation, and even the white space on a page to create both art and a story. It is intriguing and mysterious and very hard to look away from.

Fair warning: You have to be a very strong person to resist the sequel. If you pick up the first book, in all likelihood, you’ll end up with reading the whole series, one after another.

Patrick Ness, once again, deserves five stars for his ingenuity, creativity, and expert skill at language. Reading more of his work is at the top of my list. 

The Ask and the Answer

Holiday Reads: Perfect Books to Snuggle Up With By The Fire

Hot cocoa? Check. Fire crackling in the fireplace? Check. Book? No? Don't panic. Here are six fabulous book ideas for the holidays.

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- Christmas and the holidays are known for being nothing less than extremely magical. The Night Circus, one of my all-time favorites, is spell-binding. Whenever someone asks me for a book recommendation, I immediately point them in the direction of this book. Detailing the hypnotic journey of two magicians that must compete against one another in a competition that speaks of a tragic fate, The Night Circus will captivate you with its incredible language and tumultuous love affairs. It is a perfect choice for dark, romantic nights during the holidays.  

5. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell- Everyone knows that the holidays are not just about gifts (even though I'll be the first to admit that I love the presents). They are about love and family and giving as well as receiving. Fangirl, written by Rainbow Rowell, one of the best authors I've ever read, is a perfect representation of a girl who finds the meaning of family and love. While this book is not a "Christmas" or "holiday" themed book, it is perfect for exploring what it really means to be a family. Rowell, whose Eleanor & Park captured my heart within the first few pages, is fantastic at grasping the concept of heart-breakingly beautiful love. If it is on your Christmas wishlist to read an adorable novel that describes one girl's difficult coming-of-age journey, read Fangirl. It'll warm your insides almost as well as a big cup of good hot cocoa. 

4. Just One Day by Gayle Forman- What other novel is more perfect for Christmas time than a book that describes one day that changes the rest of your life forever? After all, Christmas is actually one small, short day out of a whole year, and it still makes a huge impact on our lives. As one can see from Gayle Forman's Just One Day, one 24 hour time span is as long as it takes to make your life an upside-down, ruined mess. Just One Day chronicles the one day of Allyson Healey's life that she decided to say yes to something out-of-this-world crazy and how it affected the rest of the years to come. Willem, the catalyst of Allyson's one-day adventure, took her on a journey that she will never forget, or even recover from. Will Allyson ever regain the sense of control that she lost along with Willem that one day? Will Allyson ever become who she was with Willem again? Just One Day is a must-read for all lovers of short romances and the magic of chance. This book was made for reading in the merry air of the holidays. 

3. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan- A romantic story bound within the pages of a red moleskin. Lily has left a book of dares waiting for just the right person to find and undertake them. This book is about a simple romantic journey between two people and the kismet that has brought them together. Set in snowy New York, Dash & Lily's Book of Dares is the product of Levithan's and Cohn's genius and is perfect of reading while the snow drifts softly outside. Curl up and get lost in this story that will have you wishing for a magical Christmas this year. 

2. Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle- A New York Times bestseller, this book is good no matter what season it is, but it is especially good during the time of year that it was meant to be read and enjoyed. I read this book based on a friend's recommendation, and I haven't looked back since. This book is filled with mushy romances, cute little pigs, and a plethora of snow. Each unique story is interconnected with another. I absolutely loved Green's holiday story. Read it and decide which lovely short story is your favorite. This book makes an excellent gift for yourself during the holidays. 

1. My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins- I've saved the best for last. If you don't read any other books on this list, read this one. It was made to read during the holidays. New Year's, Christmas, Yule, anything you can possibly imagine celebrating during the winter season. I absolutely adored this book. It was pretty much the cutest thing I've read in a really long time. Most of the authors I had read before, and I really loved how I could go and read more of their work, even if it was only ten pages or so. An excellent early Christmas present. The authors include: Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, and Kiersten White. If that isn't an all-star cast, I don't know what is. And, if you'll notice, some of the authors are on this very list. There's Levithan, Rowell (who, honestly, wrote my favorite story in the whole anthology), and Forman. All the stories are unique, yet cute and romantic. P.S. All the people on the cover correspond to a story. So adorable!

Those are the five-star books that I think are perfect for reading while the biting cold blows past outside and the Christmas tree twinkles. May your holidays be merry and bright!

Ruin and Rising Review

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruin and Rising

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series: Grisha #3

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Publication Date: June 17, 2014

Genre: Fiction; Fantasy; Romance; Young Adult

Pages: 417

Format: Hardback

goodreads

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Let’s get one thing straight: The Darkling literally rules the world. No matter how hard I try, I cannot let go of him. Even when the author makes him obviously evil, I can’t let him go. This book wasn’t as bad as the previous ones, and I actually did have a bit of closure. That is until the very end. No spoilers, I promise, but it was really bad.

Alina is tired of sitting around and waiting for the revolution to arrive. Stowed away from the rest of the world, Alina and her friends decide to break free from the oppressively protective Apparat and defy the Darkling once and for all. As Alina and Mal begin their search for the last remaining amplifier, they will discover secrets about the Darkling and themselves that will reshape their destiny to save Ravka. Alina could lose everything she loves–is Ravka’s future really worth it?

Mal is not bad. He is just not as good as the Darkling. He doesn’t even come close to the magnanimous awesomeness of the Darkling. He’s sweet. I guess. And, okay, he’s a little heroic. And he’s not hella-crazy like the Darkling. Okay, fine, Mal is obviously the better, nicer choice. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. What can I say? Bardugo did a little too well in crafting a swoon-worthy Darkling prince in the first book. There really is no recovery from it. Does Darkling rehabilitation exist? Because I think I need to attend a session.

Alina was not as strong a female character in this book as she was in the previous two, which really was a shame. I mean, the finale is where it all counts doesn’t it? The finale should be filled with kick-ass, go-get-‘em characters, but, to be honest, I didn’t see as much of that as I would’ve liked. I wanted Alina to be at her strongest. I wanted to see the change in her from Book 1 to Book 3. The search for that transformation was as fruitless as Mal and Alina’s mission for the Morozova amplifiers. It simply, in my opinion, did not exist.

There were some really good moments also. All the scenes with Nikolai Lantsov were fantastic moments for example. It is such a shame was happened to him (again, no spoilers. It’s just…well…yeah. It was bad.), and honestly, I was more emotionally invested in Nikolai than I was in Alina, Mal, and the whole gang combined. Although, the Darkling still rules all. It goes: 1) Darkling 2) Nikolai and 3) Alina, Mal, and everyone else ever mentioned in the book. Can’t you tell I have my priorities in order? And, for future reference Bardugo, when you have made a character as amazing and wonderful as Nikolai Lantsov, you don’t go and just do what you did to him. You’ll save your readers a lot of heartache. 

This book was a solid four. Not quite a five, but not so bad as to be a three. Just a four. Which is considerably better than some of the books out there. Overall, it is worth the time and effort and a recommendable ending to one of my favorite book series. 

Lynburn Legacy #2: Untold Review

Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Untold

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Series: The Lynburn Legacy #2

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Genre: Romance; Gothic; Fiction; Fantasy; Supernatural; Young Adult

Pages: 367

Format: Hardback
goodreads

On the surface, Sorry-in-the-Vale is a sleepy English town. But Kami Glass knows the truth. Sorry-in-the-Vale is full of magic. In the old days, the Lynburn family ruled with fear, terrifying the people into submission in order to kill for blood and power. Now the Lynburns are back, and Rob Lynburn is gathering sorcerers so that the town can return to the old ways.

But Rob and his followers aren’t the only sorcerers in town. A decision must be made: pay the blood sacrifice, or fight. For Kami, this means more than just choosing between good and evil. With her link to Jared Lynburn severed, she’s now free to love anyone she chooses. But who should that be?

A darkly humorous take on Gothic romance, Sarah Rees Brennan's Lynburn Legacy weaves together the tale of a heroine desperate to protect those she loves, two boys hoping to be saved, and the magical forces that will shape their destiny. 

Just a piece of advice: when you finish a book that ends in a soul-crushing cliffhanger, do not–do not–read a sneak peak (specifically this sneak peak) posted by the author. It will destroy you. Just patiently wait for the whole book to be available for your reading pleasures. It will save you so much pain.

Kami Glass, aspiring reporter and journalist, will stop at nothing to uncover the secrets of the Lynburns. Now that she has discovered magic and unleashed a villain that has promised to plague the town, she must choose to fight or surrender. Kami must protect her family, the town, and the two boys that have so suddenly come into her life. A journalist’s work is never done. After breaking free of the bond that has held her and Jared together since childhood, Kami has the power to choose between the two beautiful Lynburn boys. Can Kami find love and save Sorry-in-the-Vale from magical destructive ruin?

Like almost every sequel ever written, I liked the first book more than the second. But I also loved the second. If I were to plot my love of these two books on the graph, there would be an almost unintelligible downward slope between Book 1 and Book 2. Just barely less than the first, but still less. The first book had an element of suspense that the sequel did not seem capable of grasping. Also, Jared’s attitude made me very angry.

Jared is a jerk. I mean really, how can he be that horrible and that perfect all at the same time? Brennan is mean that way, I guess. Ash is just plain boring. The only good guy in this book is good ol’ Rusty. Ahh, Rusty. Who can escape your impish whims and childish charms? You really are the best guy out of all of them.

Kami has to be one of the best female heroines I’ve read in a long time. Strong, capable, independent, brave, funny, smart. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be Kami Glass? Now, if she could just get a handle on her romantic situation, then she would be unstoppable. And her friend, Angela, is just as perfect as ever. She perfectly complements Kami’s character and personality. Her cynicism is such a vital part to the life of the story. Brennan forges her characters with incredible expertise. So much work goes into their personalities, everything else is almost left out. If the plot was worked on as much as the characters, it would bring this whole series to an extraordinary new level.

As to be expected, this book ended in a horrible, good-for-nothing cliff hanger. Brennan works real magic into her books, and I can’t wait for what she’ll do in the third and final installment of the Lynburn Legacy.

Unmade

Rose Under Fire Review

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Title: Rose Under Fire

Author: Elizabeth Wein

Series: Young Pilots #2

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: September 10, 2013

Genre: Historical Fiction; Young Adult

Pages: 368

Format: Hardback

Awards: Schneider Family Book Award for Teen (2014), Bank Street College of Education Josette Frank Award (2014), Golden Kite Award for Fiction (Honor Book) (2014), Carnegie Medal of Literature Nominee (2014), YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten) (2014)
goodreads

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that's in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival. 

I had absolutely no idea that this book even existed until a few weeks before I read it. I know, I’m losing my game. I felt like I should have apologized to this book for not realizing it had been published and made available to me for so long before I noticed it. But thank everything good in the world that I did. Discover it, that is. It would’ve been very, very bad if I hadn’t. I would not have been exposed to the genius that is Elizabeth Wein’s Rose Under Fire, and that is something no one should have to go through.

Rose Justice, an American ATA pilot, decides to be an Allied soldier in World War II. Her mission was simple. Well, it was supposed to be simple. A quick, get in, get out, type of scenario. But, of course, that could not be the case. On her way back from freshly liberated Paris, Rose is captured by Nazi pilots. She is sent to Ravensbrück, an infamous women’s concentration camp. As she experiences unmentionable horrors, she meets incredible women, and forms bonds strong enough to withstand the cruelty she endures. Their friendship will help them survive even the most horrible of circumstances.

Even though Rose Under Fire is technically the sequel to Code Name Verity (another fabulous novel by Wein by the way – I would recommend it to anyone and everyone), do not make the mistake of thinking that it would be a continuation of Maddie and Queenie’s story, like I did when I first learned of this book’s existence. Rose Justice is another character with an entirely different story that is hard to look away from.

Before this novel I had never even heard of Ravensbrück or the Ravensbrück Rabbits. Ravensbrück was the only main concentration camp that was specifically dedicated to women. The “Rabbits” were female prisoners experimented on for the “good of science.” While Rose Justice’s story was false, the Rabbits’ is not. Many have survived, and Elizabeth Wein has published information on them on her blog. The information can be found here: http://www.elizabethwein.com/ravensbrueck-rabbits.

Like Code Name Verity, this book is filled to the brim with historical, accurate facts. I learned something new at every page turn. Wein intricately, and masterfully weaves facts with a riveting plot and heartfelt characters. Each woman in her book has an incomprehensible amount of courage within themselves. While most of the conflict in the book was the fight for survival and liberation, there was a part two to their battle. After escaping, the Rabbits had to see to it that their captures were served justice for what they had done. Many women could not find it within themselves to speak of what went on in the concentration camp. While many accepted the fact that the battle ended as soon as the prisoners found freedom, this book tells a different story.

I am a huge fan of Wein and her writing. You can see the amount of dedication she puts into her novels, and her hard work makes for a beautiful story. Everyone should read about Rose and Wein’s other characters because they tell stories that are sometimes left unheard. 

Black Dove White Raven

March 31, 2015

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Movie vs. Book

Let's face it: we all knew how the movie was going to end.

But that doesn't make it any less painful.

The Hunger Games trilogy will always be one of favorite book series of all time. Out of the three, Catching Fire tops my list (unusual, I know. But what can I say? I'm a sucker for plot twists), followed behind by Hunger Games, and, at the very bottom, lies Mockingjay. My opinion is that there was not enough time to pound out a third book that would be as good as the other two. Mockingjay was destined to be fall short of expectations. As I have just seen the movie, I believe film makers have copied this trend. 

Mockingjay, the book, was the most destroying of the three books. Violence, death (lots and lots of death), and war all played a huge part. It is to be expected that the movie, which is based on such a dark and tragic book, would end up dark and tragic as well. 

Jennifer Lawrence is (and I think we can all agree on this) an amazing actress. She portrays Katniss so well, so true to the character. Although we did not see Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson) for most of the movie, the parts he could be seen in were powerful. Of course, I cannot forget about Liam Hemsworth, who plays Gale. I believe that the Hemsworth brothers are gifts that should be appreciated whenever possible. As to be expected, Hemsworth's performance was perfection. There were several very powerful moments. Goosebumps ensued. Tears pricked the backsides of my eyeballs. I became emotionally invested in this movie, and I felt as if I had just ridden a roller coaster by the time the lights finally turned on. 

One thing that seems to be missing from most war-related or violent films is consideration for the character's well being throughout the battle. Mockingjay did not follow this pattern. The film makers seemed intent on defying the accepted idea that warriors are indifferent to the bloodshed around them, and I appreciated that. Both the movie and the book made very it clear that the war going on around Katniss was devastating. The savagery and the barbarism Katniss witnesses is enough to drive her insane. 

I have been and always will be a Team Peeta person; Gale was never an option for me. That said, I think it is fair to say that this movie, no matter how dark or violent, set me up to want to watch Part 2 the day it comes out. I don't know how I'll stand the wait. My only hope is that they won't go overboard with the violence and that they will keep it PG-13. 

While it definitely wasn't as good as the other two, I liked this movie, and it is a must see for all Hunger Games fans. Mockingjay Part 2 (which has already been filmed and finished by the way) is to be withheld from audiences until November 20 of 2015. 

Reality Boy Review

Reality Boy by A.S. King

Title: Reality Boy

Author: A. S. King

Series: None

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 22, 2013

Genre: Realistic Fiction; Contemporary; Romance; Young Adult

Pages: 353

Format: Hardback

goodreads

Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality television crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he’s still haunted by his rage-filled youth—which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle—and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school.

Nothing is ever going to change. No one cares that he’s tried to learn to control himself, and the girl he likes has no idea who he really is. Everyone’s just waiting for him to snap…and he’s starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that.

In this fearless portrayal of a boy on the edge, highly acclaimed Printz Honor author A.S. King explores the desperate reality of a former child “star” who finally breaks free of his anger by creating possibilities he never knew he deserved.

Reality Boy is my first A.S. King novel. And I can’t really say that it bodes well for any future King books.

Gerald Faust has a messed up family in a messed up life. And it all started the day his mother invited in the TV crew of a hit reality show. “It’s supposed to help,” his mother said. “It’s supposed to fix things.” And by “things”, she meant Gerald. Twelve years later and nothing’s been fixed, nothing’s been changed. If anything, it’s made things worse than they actually are. The only thing the TV crew seemed to bring were reasons for Gerald to be ostracized in his own home and plenty of clinically diagnosed anger management issues. Gerald grew up thinking he was nothing and didn’t deserve to want things. Now, he must break free of his restricted life and finally fight for what he wants.

This was weird. Really weird. And not the good kind of weird. The kind of weird that makes you go, “What the f-- am I reading?” The plot line was too strange for me to actually like reading it. The characters were bizarre, unrealistic, and strangely unfeeling. For example, Hannah, Gerald’s love interest, was so unsympathetic to his life. Even when he obviously needed someone to comfort him, she just left him, basically saying that her life was just as bad, but she got over it and so should he. Which it not the case. She was rude, selfish, and obviously not a very good friend. Basically, I really disliked her as a character. Plus, there was, like, no chemistry between Gerald and Hannah.

While I didn't like the mood or atmosphere in the novel, the questions it raised were good ones. The questions about mental illness, and living with mental illness, not only as the patient, but as the people around the patient. While the victim of a mental illness might be the only one diagnosed to be dealing with the disorder, it is the whole family that has to live with and work around it also. They are not left unaffected, and I think this book does a good job of pointing that out. Plus, it points out that children who behave badly do so for a reason, which I think is a widely misunderstood concept.

Even with the awareness it brings about issues such as mental disorders, bad home life, and the effects of been stuck in front of the public eye, this book was just too strange for me to enjoy. I’m pretty sure Reality Boy is just one of those books that you either love or hate. And let’s just say that I definitely didn't love this book. 

We Were Liars Review

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Title: We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart

Series: None

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication Date: May 13, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction; Contemporary; Romance; Mystery; Young Adult

Pages: 227

Format: Hardback

goodreads

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
 
We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

The epitome of class and style. The personification of erudition and grace. That is how I would describe Lockhart’s books. I haven’t read one of her books that I didn’t end up loving. Well…all two of them.

Cadence Sinclair Eastman can’t remember the last summer she was in Beechwood. All she remembers is waking up alone on the beach, cold and wet from the sea. Her mother won’t tell her what happened. Everyone, including her cousins and her beloved Gat, is tiptoeing around her like she is an explosion with mass casualties waiting to happen. When she finally returns to the beach house on her grandfather’s private island, she is determine to remember. What she finds is nothing like what she thought, and will change her life in ways she’s not sure she’s ready for.

Ambiguity is one of my favorite ways authors start a book. When they just drop you in the middle of the story and it’s up to you to figure out the beginning and the end. Keeps me intrigued. It also exercises the mind, and that’s always fun. And let me tell you, did this book keep me entertained! There wasn’t a dull moment in We Were Liars. And I was always guessing. Constantly working out what exactly happened those two summers ago. And I was way, way, way off. I could not have been more wrong. And the twist! The oh-so-infamous twist! Oh, my God! It was so weird, but in the way that makes you go, “Holy-mother-of-everything good-in-the-world, I can’t believe that just happened!” It was so genius and yet so tragic; I honestly did not know whether I loathed or loved the author in that moment. I’m still on the fence, actually. My feelings change day by day.

The lyrical prose and elegant language that Lockhart used was to die for. It was so beautiful. You could feel and touch the emotions of the characters, fully understand the frustration and sadness of Cadence (mostly because you were just as frustrated and depressed from not understanding anything in those first few pages). While this book was in no way a poetry book, there were moments it seemed like it was. Lockhart effortlessly combined all the splendor of poetry with the fullness of an everyday novel. It added some spice and flavor, and, I have to say, it was delicious and supremely satisfying.

I would recommend this to all readers of Melina Marchetta (especially to the lovers of Jellicoe Road). I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Marchetta’s and Lockhart’s writing are so similar. I love both, and I think others should make it a point to read them. This book was exquisite and one of my favorites. Plus, John Green read it, so who was I to say no?

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender Review

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

Title: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Author: Leslye Walton

Series: None

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Genre: Fantasy; Supernatural; Romance; Young Adult

Pages: 301

Format: Hardback

goodreads

Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga.

Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird.

In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration.

That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo.

First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.

Really, the title says it all. This book is so…strange…but at the same time so…beautiful. There are no other words to describe it.

Ava Lavender is not like any other teenage girl. She is different, not just because of her wings, but because of her familial tendency to attract broken hearts. Love is not something that the Roux women do well. Her mother’s kept a tight leash on Ava's life ever since she was little, not letting her do the things normal teenage girls would be doing. In fact, Ava’s never done much of anything. Her urgent need to be normal, to do normal things makes her pretend to be something she’s not. She sets out to find who she is and what her past holds, and, while doing so, learns to love herself for who she is. Then life comes crashing in, bringing Nathanial Sorrows and devastation along with it. But the main question always stays the same: Will the Roux women ever keep love from slipping between their fingers?

This is one of the hardest reviews I've ever had to write. Thinking about this book is almost like dreaming a dream. It’s there, and you can feel it, but you can’t exactly…touch it. It’s hard to explain why it is so difficult to write a review for a book like this. Maybe because it's almost impossible to put beautiful things into words that'll do it justice. Or maybe it's because remarkable things aren't meant to be described-they're meant to be lived. Whatever the reason, all I can say to you is that this book was fantastic in more ways than I can name. 

The book may be titled The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, but it is about all the women of Roux family. Chronicles of unrequited love, star-crossed love, and any other type of doomed love that exists, is all written in this book. The title holds true when it mentions “sorrow”; there is a lot of sadness and tragedy in this book. But at the same time, there is so much beauty. The writing, the characters, the setting, the story–it’s all stunning. I don’t think I've ever read a novel whose title is so perfectly matched with its plot line.

Only a few books ever have the capability to make the reader feel as if they are in a dream. Even fewer can transport them into a fog of fantasy and magic. To make them forget they were even reading anything in the first place. To me, this book was one of those. It seems only the really gifted writer have that ability, and Walton is one of them. I wonder if there is some kind of secret to it all, and, if there is, if I'll ever know what it is.